Concert Reviews

It’s hard to put into words what the TUKAN experience really is, but I’ll try. Let me set the scene. A year and a half ago, during Montreal’s Jazz Fest on July 5, 2024, my friend went to see Berlioz at MTELUS. After the show, she asked the band the classic question: “Where’s the afters?” In what felt like fate, they replied, “We’re going upstairs.” Upstairs was where TUKAN was performing.

No artist sounds quite like Spill Tab. The genre-blending songs merge alternative pop with jazz nuances. Claire Chica, the creative force behind these entrancing tracks, is a 28-year-old singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Born in Thailand, raised in Paris, and now based in LA, she crafts English and French songs layered with energetic rhythms, desire, nostalgia, and angst.

Frankie Cosmos gave Montreal's music lovers a memorable night. On September 16th, at the intimate venue Bar le Ritz, Frankie Cosmos performed with opening bands Moontype and Fantasy of a Broken Heart. I have never attended a concert where every band impressed me so much. With every artist, I felt as if I was discovering a new favourite, as they each showcased unique and impressive musical talents.

The sweet September air is ripe with the promise of magic, whimsy and enchantment, none of which will ever be as palpable as it was in the walk over to the Théatre Beanfield. As I headed there in my beat-up platform Jordan Doc Marten boots (a concert staple), my wired headphones beamed The Brian Jonestown Massacre straight into my ears in preparation for the show I was en route to see.

Who knew Boomers could jump four inches into the air, repeatedly? Anyone caught in the ebullience of The Pogues’ high-energy set at MTelus on September 12th would have witnessed elders defying their years, pogoing, bobbing, hooting, and expressing genuine glee for a legendary band whose return to our city was highly anticipated.

A little over one month into their The Path of Totality tour, which celebrates the release of their latest album, Raspberry Moon, the beloved New York shoegaze band, Hotline TNT, shows no sign of slowing down.

Coming up on my third time seeing Justice live on their current tour, I can’t say I was expecting any surprises or anything short of a great show with great music. The first two times, once at Festival Beauregard last July and once in Boston that following August, were fantastic if a bit underwhelming.